Saudia deepens links with Philippine market

27/11/2014 06:40 AST

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), inaugurated the airline’s new office in Manila in the presence of senior Saudi and Philippine officials including Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Hassan.

Abdul Aziz Al-Hazmi, CEO of Saudi Airlines Company, senior executives of the organization and a large number of prominent personalities including foreign diplomats, media persons and travel and tourism executives also attended.

Al-Hazmi said the new office is located in Zuellig Building in the Makati Avenue of Manila. “It was designed by Saudi engineers following the latest architectural designs and standards. It is surrounded by embassies, airline offices and corporate headquarters,” the CEO said. The new Manila office is built reflecting the airline’s new image and identity. “Our new strategy is to keep all departments including sales, marketing, reservation and finance under one roof for the benefit of passengers and visitors,” Al-Hazmi said. The new office will have 15 staff members.

Saudia is considered one of the first Middle Eastern airlines that provide direct flight between Manila and the Kingdom.

It started operating flights to the Philippine capital in 1982 with two weekly flights, which has now grown into 11 flights weekly.

The Saudi national flag carrier has been using B747-400 for its Manila flights. From January 2015, it intends to operate B777-300 in the sector.

The number of passengers carried by the airline between the two countries rose from 43,388 in 1982 to 403,254 in 2013. During the past nine months of 2014 Saudia transported 341,532.

Arab News